Gambling Reform Proposed by the Ministry of Finance, Approved by Executive

ROMANIA (October 6, 2023) — The Government approved on Thursday 5, the Emergency Ordinance which ensures the consolidation of the legal and fiscal framework in the field of gambling, in order to be adapted to the technological and social developments of recent years, and more rigorous surveillance measures for all operators in this field.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Finance, sent to the National news agency of Romania (AGERPRES), the normative act establishes higher levels for the fees related to the license to organize and operate games of chance, which are paid annually, as well as special fees and guarantees submitted by companies, agerpres reports.

“In order to ensure a business climate based on the principles of competitiveness and transparency, in particular to prevent and combat unauthorized gambling, to combat tax evasion in the field, all operators will be obliged to have their fiscal headquarters in Romania and to pay in Romania fees and taxes,” emphasizes the MF.

Moreover, a new way of covering the risk of non-payment of obligations towards the general consolidated budget is introduced by introducing the guarantee insurance policy issued by an insurance company based in a member state of the European Union, a signatory state of the agreement regarding the European Economic Area, or a state from the Swiss Confederation.

The annual contributions of licensed gambling organizers are increased substantially, to promote compliance with the principles and measures regarding socially responsible gambling.

70% of the revenues from the contributions of licensed gambling organizers collected by the National Gambling Office go to the state budget, and 30% will be used by the Trade Registry (ONRC) to finance programs to prevent gambling addiction, promoting responsible gambling, the hotline, creating the database for the prevention and combating of addiction.

Also, in order to protect the players, the people in risky situations, the ban on the sale of alcohol in gambling halls is established. Provisions will also be introduced regarding the obligation of gambling organizers not to allow self-excluded and undesirable persons access to the premises.

According to the cited source, combating organized and economic crime among gambling operators are other objectives of the new legislation.

For this purpose, a register will be established, accessible online, of the companies and premises where this activity is authorized, with information about the licensed/authorized operators (address of the registered office, address of each commercial space where games of chance operate, indication of the types of games authorized for the location, series and address where each licensed/authorized game is located).

SOURCE: www.stiripesurse.ro